How to Pitch to Condé Nast Traveler

Pitching a story to Condé Nast Traveler isn’t just about having a great idea — it’s about packaging it in a way that excites an editor and feels timely and relevant. Whether you’re a seasoned travel journalist or a publicist representing destinations, this simple Blog post will help you understand exactly how to prepare, write, and send a pitch that gets the assignment.

Look at how recent contributors are shaping the magazine’s voice:

Shelby Ying Hyde’s stylish travel gear stories (April 3, 2025), Adam Turner’s immersive Thailand itinerary (February 19, 2025), and Jenna Scatena’s cultural guides like “26 Best Restaurants in San Francisco” (June 3, 2025).

Writers such as Stefanie Waldek and Lindsey Tramuta are delivering design-forward experiences and city highlights throughout 2025, while Jessica Chapel’s curated regional guides and Melinda Joe’s international hotel profiles show the breadth of what Traveler publishes.

1. Condé Nast Traveler Has Free Newsletters

Condé Nast Traveler is one of the most influential travel publications globally, known for high‑quality, and expertly reported travel stories. Their content goes beyond itineraries and hotel reviews — it includes cultural perspectives, essays, and service journalism on topics like sustainability, and responsible travel.

Before you pitch: read recent articles, follow their newsletters, and understand their editorial voice and style. 

Condé Nast Traveler offers several newsletters, including their popular daily "The Daily" for inspiration and tips, a weekly "The Intel" with expert advice, a weekly "Packing List," a monthly "Women Who Travel" for female perspectives, and a monthly "What's Next for Travel" on industry trends, all accessible from their newsletter sign-up page. 

2. Pitch Stories and Angles — Not Destinations

One of the first key rules Condé Nast Traveler emphasizes in its pitching guidelines is this: don’t pitch a destination by itself. Instead, focus on a specific story angle — why your idea is relevant now.

For example:

• Bad Pitch: “I’m visiting Bali next month — any interest?”
  

• Good Pitch: “How Balinese community‑based sustainability programs are shaping the future of tourism, featuring interviews with three local leaders.”
  

Your pitch should be no more than a paragraph, include an article headline, your angle, voices, and why the piece matters now. 

Example 1 — Ashley Brooks’ Pitch Turned Practice Piece into Publication

Writer: Ashley Brooks — published in Condé Nast Traveler with a personal essay.
Why the Pitch Worked:

• Ashley didn’t just send a random itinerary or a “travel diary” idea — she pivoted a piece she already had in progress and matched it to an editor’s specific call for a theme on “Travel Firsts.” (This was during a situation where the publication was soliciting Travel Firsts essays — a clear editorial opportunity.)

• Even though the piece started as practice, she identified the right theme and editor to send it to instead of waiting for a generic opening. That alignment between her existing angle and what the editorial team was actively looking for was critical. 

• Importantly, she kept sending ideas until one resonated — illustrating how sending thoughtful pitches against real editorial calls increases your odds of success. 

3. Know the Editors and Where to Send Your Pitch

Target the right editor and drastically increase your chances of getting a response. Below are key editorial contacts at Condé Nast Traveler (primarily for the U.S./global site):

• Lale Arikoglu – Articles Director
  Best for: Narrative features, long‑form pieces, Women Who Travel series.
  LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Instagram

• Megan Spurrell – Associate Director, Articles
  Best for: Story development and reported features.
  LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Instagram

• Rebecca Misner – Senior Features Editor
  Best for: Feature editing and trend stories.
  LinkedIn, Instagram

• Shannon McMahon – Senior Editor, Destinations
  Best for: Destination‑focused pieces with journalistic depth.
  LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Instagram

• Hannah Towey & Charlie Hobbs – Associate Editors
  Best for: News‑driven stories or trend pieces.
  LinkedIn, Instagram

4. Tailor Your Pitch to the Section

Condé Nast Traveler publishes a range of content types, and editors often handle specific verticals. For example:

• Women Who Travel: Personal essays and stories about women travelers and communities.
  

• City Guides and Destinations: Reported insights into cultural, culinary, or experiential trends in cities worldwide.
  

• Cruising, Outdoors, Tech and Trends: Trend stories, reported pieces, and narratives rooted in travel innovation.

5. Include Your Credentials and Clips

Especially if you’re pitching a first‑time submission, include links to your best work (relevant clips about travel or personal essays ONLY). Let editors know who you are, what expertise you bring, and why you’re uniquely positioned to tell this story.

7. Follow Up Consistently Yet Thoughtfully

If you haven’t heard back after a week, it’s okay to follow up once. Reference your original email and add any updates that strengthen your pitch. If you still don’t hear back, consider pitching to another editor or publication.

Useful Links

• Pitching Guidelines on CNTraveler.com
  https://www.cntraveler.com/info/how-to-pitch-conde-nast-traveler Condé Nast Traveler

• Condé Nast Traveler Masthead (to find editors)
  https://www.cntraveler.com/info/about-us Condé Nast Traveler

Pitching Condé Nast Traveler is competitive — but not impossible. Focus on story first, news second, and clarity always. Good luck, and happy pitching!